Scott’s Law detail nets 14 violations

By: Katy O'Grady-Pyne - Updated: 1 month ago

Posted Apr 18, 2019

CLINTON — DeWitt County sheriff deputies spent just over four hours on Wednesday running a Scott’s Law detail on U.S. 51.

Scott’s Law, known as the “Move Over Law,” was enacted in Illinois in 2002 following the December 2000 death of Lieutenant Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department. Gillen was struck and killed while assisting at a crash site in Chicago. A passing car, driving too fast and too close to the accident site, lost control and killed Gillen.

Scott’s Law requires drivers to slow down, move over and proceed with caution when approaching any emergency vehicles.

DeWitt County Sheriff Mike Walker said Wednesday’s detail netted 14 Scott’s Law violations, two speeding tickets, two speed warnings and one arrest on a Macon County warrant.

According to the Illinois State Police, penalties for violating Scott’s Law include a fine of not more than $10,000 and possible driver’s license suspension.

“I hope the violations net some kind of punishment,” said Walker. “At least 14 people are made aware and hopefully in the future they will move over.”